Electrical multiple connector.



C. H. TOMLINSON.

ELECTRICAL MULTIPLE CONNECTOR.

APPLICATION FILED 1101.30. m4.

Patented Apr. 17, 1917.

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C. H. TOMLINSON.

ELECTRICAL MULTIPLE CONNECTOR.

APPLICATION HLEDJAN. 30. I914.

Patented Apr. 17, 1917.

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C. H. TOMLINSON.

ELECTRICAL MULTIPLE CONNECTOR. APPLlCATlON FILED 1104.30. 1914. 1,223,222.

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C. H. TOMLINSON.

ELECTRICAL MULTIPLE CONNECTOR.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 30, I914.

1,223,222. Patented AprIlT, 1917.

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UNITED s'rATEs PATENT onnion CHARLES ir-romransoiv, or MANSFIELD, orrro, Assienor. 1 0 THE roiviniivson COUPLER COMPANY, or MANSFIELD, onio, A CORPORATION or soUrH DAKOTA.

ELECTRICAL MULTIPLE CONNECTOR.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Apr. 17, 1917.

Application filed January 30, 1914. Serial No. 815,339.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that 1, CHARLES H. TOMLLN- SON, a citizen of the United States, residing at Mansfield, in the county of Rich] and and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Electrical Multiple Connectors, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to an electrical-con nection plug 'and its operating means, and is more particularly designated and described as a multiple circuit connector which is adapted to be used in connecting a plurality of separate and distinct circuits, such, for example, as the several circuits of a multiple control system for electric cars and trains.

The chief object of the invention is to provide an improved multiple circuit connecting device Which shall be effective and efficient in operation and capable of connecting. the electrical circuits having terminals therein with the terminals of electric circuits in similar connectors, as, for eX- ample, the electric couplers on different cars of trains. v

The electric coupler of the present invention is of the general form of device shown and described in my applications for U. S. Patents, Serial Nos. 691,511 and 705,149, filed on April 17 1912, and June 22, 1912, respectively; and it is among the objects of the present invention to generally improve the details of construction of electrical multiple connectors or couplings of the class shown in these said applications in the manner that is more particularly pointed outin the following specification with reference to the drawings, forming a part of the specification, and more particularly'set forth in the claims.

It is also among the objects of the invention to provide certain improvements 'in means for operating my improved electrical multiple connector as hereinafter pointed out and claimed.

In the said drawings,

Figure 1 shows portions of the cooperating extremities of two coupled cars, each in section, and provided with an electrical multiple connector embodying the invention,

the connectors position. v I

Fig. 2 is a vertical longitudinal section through one of the multiple connectors embodying the invention.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 2, it being taken on a longitudinal plane at approximately right angles to the view shown in Fig. 2. A

Fig. alis a front elevation view looking at the forward or coupling end of the connector, showing the same attached to a mechanical car coupler, a portion of which is shown as in Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a view in side elevation of the device shown in Fig. 1, with the end cover in closed position and all except the forward portion of the device broken away.

Figs. 6 and 7 are enlarged perspective views designed to illustrate details of the electrical connectors and contactors.

The reference character 10 designates generally such portions of the car body as is shown in Fig. 1. Each of the cars is shown as equipped with a suitable form of draft gear or draw bar 11, which in this instance has a universal connection with the car, being pivotally connected for lateral movement at 12 and for vertical movement at 13. The pivotal connection 12 also serves to afford a flexible connection for the fluid train pipes in the manner more particularly shown and described and claimed in my copending application for U. S. Letters Patent Serial No. 822,802, filed March 6, 1914. The swivelly-mounted draft gears 11 support the usual fluid train pipes indicated by the reference character 11 on each car, and these pipes communicate through the joint 12 with a continuation of this fluid pressure train pipe extending from the joint 12 to a pointaccessible by the train man or driver of the car, where a suitable controlling valve as indicated at 15 is provided. The air line 1 1 is thence extended downwardly and through the car to the opposite end or to reservoir or pump in the usual manner. The details of the draft gears or mechanical connections between the cars is not shown, as it will be obvious the invention is applicable to cars or vehicles provided with also being shown in coupled any form of swivel draft gears or mechanical couplers, either automatic or hand-operated, although the invention is particularly adapted for use in Connection with automatic mechanical couplers since it provides a form of automatic electric multiple connector operable from the car or trainmans cab. In Fig. 1 of the drawings, the forward extremities of the swiveled draft gears 11 are shown supported by the usual movable hangers 16.

It will be noted that the connectors on each of the two cars, as shown, for example, in Fig. 1, are similar in construction and like the usual car couplers of almost every description depend for their successful operation upon their similarity of construction with other like coupling devices, being used in pairs, and therefore the description of one connector will answer for any number, and in the drawings the similar parts on the two cooperating connectors when shown are designated by like reference characters.

As in my former application Serial No. 7 05,149, my improved connector is formed with .a cylindrical casing 17 substantially circular in cross-section, and each casing having projecting from its upper side two pairs of spaced perforated lugs 18, by which the connector casing is suspended from the draw bar 11 by means of the hinge rods 19, which pass through the perforated lugs 18 and through the depending lugs 20 on the draw bar and a depending portion of the draw bar at its forward extremity or face, thus allowing the lugs 18 carrying the con nector casing to have longitudinal movement on the rods 19 within certain limits under the control of the coiled springs 21, which normally tend to force the connector casings to their extreme forward position so that their forward extremities project a slight distance beyond the forward extremities of .the draft gears or draw bars 11, as shown, for example, in Fig. 5, thus insuring that the connectors will be in engagement just before the mechanical coupling devices of the cars become operative. The cylindrical casing 17 is constructed with both ends open and a closure plate for the rear end of the casing is provided as indicated at 22, the same having peripheral flange 23 extending around the outer edge of the casing and the plate being secured to the casing by a plurality of machine screws or other suitable fastening means, as indicated at 24, The plate 22 is provided with an opening which permits the passage therethrough of a hollow plunger Surrounding the plunger 25 is a closed cylinder 26, which is flanged in its forward end and adapted to be tightly secured to the rear end plate 22 of a connector cylinder by suitable means as machine screws 27. The

plunger 25 referred to is hollow, as shown, for example, in Fig. 2, or provided with a longitudinal interior opening through which passes a sheathed cable comprising the \arious wires of the electrical circuits designed to pass through the connector. This cable is designated generally by the reference character 28 and is shown tightly clamped at 29 to the hollow plunger 25 through which it passes longitudinally. The casing 26 is provided at its inner end through which the plunger 25 passes with a packing gland, which is obtained by forming a threaded nipple 30 around the open ing in the rearward end of the casing 20, this nipple being formed with an interior diameter somewhat larger than the opening through which the plunger passes, which permits the use of a packing ring 31 of suitable elastic material, which is held in position by a metal ring 32, shown also in section in Fig. 2, together with a short coiled spring 33, all of which are held in position and may be regulated to secure a liquid-tight connection between the plunger 25 and the casing 26 by means of the cap 34: cooperating with the threaded nipple 30. The tubular plunger 25 supporting the conductor cable is provided with a piston of any suitable construction designated by the reference character 35 and cooperating closely with the inner walls of the casing 26. This piston in the eXemplification of the invention as shown in Fig. 2, consists of a ring or washer of leather or other suit able material clamped between two smaller retaining members around the hollow plunger 25. The plunger 25 is shouldered to furnish a support for the inner retaining member 36, and the plunger is reduced and threaded beyond the seat for the piston gasket 35 to take the other thread clamping member 37. Leading from the fluid train pipe 14 is a branch pipe 38, which is tapped into the casing 26 at its extreme rearward end so that pressure on the train pipe 14: will also be transmitted to the interior of the casing 26 behind the piston and more the plunger 25 carrying the wires of the electrical circuits forwardly on the interior of the cylindrical connector casing 17 against the action of a comparatively powerful coiled spring 10, which is interposed between the plate 22 and the piston on the plunger 25. The forward extremity of the plunger 25 on the interior of the connector casing 17 is provided with a yoke -11 secured thereto by a clamp as at 4-2, and this yoke 4-1 may be arranged as in the embodiment of the invention shown in, the drawings F 2, so that it will serve as a stop to limit further retractile movement of the plunger 25 under the influence of the spring L0, which latter serves to return the plunger 25 to withdrawn or operative position, as shown, for example,in Fig. 2, when the air pressure behind-the piston is released. Connected to the yoke 4:1 or preferably formed integrally therewith as shown in the drawings and particularly in Figs. 2 and 3, isa relatively circular frame or head 43, adapted to have sliding contact with the interior Walls of the casing 17 or with an insulated Wearing plate which serves as a lining for the interior walls of the tubular ember 17 and is designated by the reference character it. To prevent the possibility of a short circuit due to the accidental loosening of one of the connections on the interior of the chamber 17, as for example loosening of one of the conductor Wires from its cooperating binding post, the interior lining 1% may be of insulating material. Around the interior of the circular head 43 is a cylindrical protective strip 44 which like the lining member at, may be of insulating material, and is secured to the yoke of head 11, by suitable recessed seats therein, as illustrated in Fig. 2. A relatively circular member of insulating material as indicated by the reference character is secured to the head 13 by suitable means as the screws 46 and serves as an insulating support for one part of the electrical connectors or circuit terminals within the connector casing 17 These connectors or terminals are shown in sectional view Fig. 2 and are designated generally by the reference character 47. There may be any desired number of these connectors, which may be termed the male portion of the switch, and they may be secured in any desired manner to the insulating portion 15 of the plunger head, but the preferred construction is that shown in detail in Fig. 2, in which the male members 17 are provided with the enlargements or shoulders indicated at 47 fitting into a suitable recess on the front face of the insulating plate 15 and extending through to the rear side of the plate where they are threaded and take suitable securing nuts as shown, which threaded portion also may be further utilized as binding screws for the connector wire terminals, which latter are preferably insulated as designated at 4:8 and are collected into the form of a cable which passes through the hollow plunger 25,-and extends thence into the car either in the form of a cable or to suitable electrical connections. The forward extremities of the male terminals 47 are beveled, or as shown in the drawings, formed with relatively spherical heads, designated as 17 in Fig. 2. The forward extremity of the casing 17 is slightly enlarged and provided with a circular recess as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, and the forward end of the casing is closed by a relatively thick cylindrical insulating member provided on its outer periphery with an enlarged shoulder and flange extending into the recess at the forward end of the casing 17. This insulating closure member is for convenience in assembling, divided vertically into two portions of about equal width, being designated by the reference characters 50 and 51, respectively. The enlarged flanged portion referred to is on the portion 51 and is designated by the reference character 51 This flange 51 by cooperating with a similar flange on the opposing drawhead forms in the manner indicated in Fig. 8 an insulating closure over the contact points which are designed to extend through suitable apertures in the insulating plates 50, 51. The plates 50, 51 may be secured together by suitable retaining bolts as indicated at 52, the heads and securing means or nuts thereon being countersunk as indicated in Fig. 2. To secure the insulating head members 50, 51 in the connecting casing so as to enable the same to withstand ihe thrust of the male connector members t7 on the reciprocating plunger 1 provide two or more rods 90, 91, which have heads countersunk in the forward insulating plate 51, and are secured by passing through an opening or housing in the wall of the easing 17 and held in position by suitable nuts as shown at 92 in Fig. 2, where one of these rods is shown as extending onto the exterior of the rear closure plate 22 of the casing. These insulating members 50, 51 are provided with perforations extending through from the forward to the rear sides thereof, the number of such perforations corresponding to the perforations for the male connecto-r members a7 in the plungerhead and coincide therewith. These openings are not designated by specific reference characters, but are plainly shown in the sectional view Fig. 2, and are designed to furnish housings for the female portions of the connectors. These openings are preferably of substantialiynniform diameter from the rear side of the combined insulating plates 50, 51 to a point near the forward surface, but terminate a sufficient distance within the forward surface thereof to form shoulders around reduced openings extending through the forward surface of the plate 51. The coupler terminals of the female portions of the connectors are provided with enlarged conical-shaped heads which fit in corresponding conical-shaped seats formed around the openings of the female connector housings, these conical connector points being indicated by the reference character The details of the female terminal members are shown in Figs. 6 and 7, from which it will be seen that 54: is the body portion of the connector point of the female terminal or contactor which is shouldered about midway of its length, the reduced portion being indicated by the reference character 55, and 56 designates a washer or circular stop for convenience preferably formed detachable and being perforated to slide over the reduced portion 55 to find its seat against the shoulder formed by the enlarged portion thereon. The reduced portion 55 is threaded at its extremity and adapted to take nuts, as indicated in Figs. and 3, for the purpose of securing this terminal portion to a female member which is shown in detail in Fig. 6, the latter being provided with a forward cylindrical terminal portion 57 with a trough 58 beyond,

adapted to accommodate the nut on the forward end of the contact member 55. The switch or connection is made possible by the formation of an opening or socket consisting of the perforated cylindrical end indicated at 59, through which the male portion of the connector is adapted to pass and more perfect electrical contact is secured by the use of a spring 60, shown in Figs. 2 and 3, this spring being secured in a depression or socket indicated at 61 in Fig. 6. The fastening is secured preferably by suitable screws passing into the holes in this socket as indicated in Fig. 6, such screws being shown in Figs. 2 and 3 and indicated by reference character 62. In Fig. 2 the contacts are shown in their withdrawn position, while in Fig. 3, which is a view taken at right angles to the section in Fig. 2 and through two cooperating electric con'nector casings, the connectors or contact portions are shown in their extended positions with their contact ends 53 in engagement with the cooperating contact member on the opposite coupler, and thus electrical connection between the corresponding circuits of the two cars is secured. connection is secured by the operator from the engineers cab of either car, for it will be seen that when the engineers valve 15 is opened (see ig. 1) in either car the air will be permitted to pass through the train line 14; and pressure will enter the by-pass 3S and thence into the casing 26 behind the piston on the plunger carrying the malev switch member or plugs 17, and this plunger-head will be forced against the action of the spring 10 under the air pressure until the male switch plugs 47 enter their cooperating portions 59 and beneath the spring The further movement of the plunger-head will cause the part 57 to telescope over the reduced end portion 55 of the contact plugs and against the spiral compression sorings G3, which are interposed between the forward extremity 57 and the shoulders or washers 56. This pressure will result in forcing the plugs forwardly until they come into contact with their cooperating plugs against the action of the coiled This 1 compression springs 6 1, which are interposed between the washers 56 and the forward walls of the insulating section 51 im mediately surrounding the connector heads It will be seen that the functions of sprin s 63 and 6 s are to return the connector plugs and the female switch members to their inoperative positions as shown in Fig. 2 and at the same time to restore these two members to a relative position as shown in Fig. 2, in which the nuts or securing means on the threaded extremities on the reduced portions of the contactor plugs are in engagement with the cylindrical housing portion 57 on the female switch members. The use f the two coiled springs 3 and is an important feature of the present invention in that they compensate for any inequalities in the length. of any of the contact members from defects due to irregular construction or to wear or any other causes, and insure thatv the forward on -emities of the contactor plugs shall all be in electrical connection with their cooperating plugs on the electric coupler of the opposite car whenever the air pressure is turned on the train line 1 1. It will be apparent that the connection from car to car through the train lines 1 1 is accomplished by means of an automatically operating connection supported by the train couplers 11 as common in this art, although the train line coupling may be secured in any desired manner; but the invention herein shown and described is particularly applicable to train couplers in which both the coupling of the train and air is automatically secured on the meeting of the draw-bars, thus making the entire coupling act automatic with the exception of the engagement of the electric connectors which is secured as described by the operator or train man from either car upon the opening of the train line valve 15.

In order to produce an electrical connector or coupling device which shall be adapted for use in connecting electrical circuits of cars it is well known that the connectors must be arranged in the connector casings in duplicate in order to provide for the reversal of the ends of the car or a perfect interchange of connectors. This may be seen by referring particularly to the construction illustrated in Figs. 2, 3 and 1, and it will be seen that Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken on the irregular or oii'set line 2, 2 of Fig. In order to snow certain desired (retails this line is ofliset as indicated, but an inspection of the elevation front view Fig. t of the electric coupler casing shows that the contact faces of the contactor plugs 53 are arranged on the forward face of the casing in the insulating plate 51 symmetrically with respect to a vertical median line or diameter passing through the center of the circular end of the casing. That is, there are a like number of contactor plugs on each side of the vertical median line and they are arranged in a similar manner. This results of course in each main line circuit having two connector plugs in the face of the insulating plate 51 plunger plate 45. This is most clearly shown in the horizontal longitudinal sectional view in Fig. 3 and in the vertical longitudinal sectional view Fig. 2, from which it will be seen that each of the male plugs 47 in the insulating plunger plate 45 is connected to a corresponding plug symmetrically arranged on the opposite side of the median vertical line of the plate by a suitable electric connection as shown in dotted and full lines in Fig. 8, such connecting wires being indicated generally by the reference character and shown in section in Fig. 2. These connector wires are preferably arranged in depressions in the rear face of the insulating head plate 45 and held in position by suitable retaining means as a composition of insulating material designed to harden as indicated in Fig. 2 surrounding these conductors. (lbviously the number of these electrical cross connections between the diametrically opposite plug terminals will depend upon the number and arrangement of the plugs in each particular construction. This arrangement.

also obviously results in a double contact for each circuit through the coupling, which has a tendency to insure a constant connection in each circuit when the connectors are in contact.

It is also one of the important features of the present invention to provide system of electrical connectors which shall be effective immediately upon the mechanical coupling of the cars and the bringing together of the electrical coupler heads prior to the operation of the plunger head carrying the male contactor members 47. This I secure by providing any desired number of contactor plugs and constructed somewhat similar to the plugs 47, but having a much longer forward extension or reach. Such plugs are shown in Fig. 2 as mounted in the insulating plunger plate 45 and carried thereby and extending forwardly to a point where they are constantly in contact with a connector device mounted on the front insulating plates -50, 51. These plugs are indicated by the reference character 71, (Fig. there being one provided for cooperation with each of the plugs 7 5, (see Fig. 4). The forward extremities of the shanks of these connectors 71 are preferably somewhat beveled as shown in Fig. 2, to permit them to enter readily within a conical recess in thimbles 72, which latter are preferably constructed of some suitable conducting material, as shown in cross-section in Fig. and so arranged as to form a seat for the end of coiled s well as in the insulating springs 7 3 formed of some suitable elastic conductor wire in spiral form and having their opposite extremities interposed against a shoulder portion 7% on the contactorplugs 75. The purpose of these plugs 7 5 and their connections is to form electric circuit con nections between the cars, which connections shall be made at the time the electric coupler heads and the mechanical coupling devices come in contact. Such circuits are desirable for purposes like the operation of signal systems, bell-ringing devices, and the like, where it is desired electrical connection shall be made prior to the connections made through the eontac'tor plugs 47 carried on the reciprocating plunger operated by the train man from the cab in the manner described. It will be seen that the length of the connector plug 71 is sufficient to cause it to be at all times in cont-act with the spring thimble 72, by which constant circuit is secured with the contact plugs 75 through the coiled springs 7 3; and it will also be seen that on the withdrawal of the shanks 71 of these plugs the metallic thimbles 7 2 may be retained in their normal position against spring 73 by suitable coiled springs "((3. hr terposed between insulating plunger plates 45 and the thimbles 72.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, the forward end of the connector casing 17 containing the contacting plugs 53 is normally exposed, but may when desired be closed, particularly when not in use, as when a car is standing in an idle condition and uncoupled from another car or train, by the'use of a suitable hinged closure member or door 77 pivoted on the pivot pin 78 at the lower forward edge of the casing and being adapted to be swung upwardly into position over the end of the casing, thus keeping out the entrance of snow or rain or other foreign materials. XV hen not in use the cover plate 77 may be swung to an inoperative position beneath the coupler, as illustrated in Fig, 2, and secured in such posit-ion by a suitable latch 7 8, pivoted to the casing 26 or other suitable portion of the device, as illustrated.

Experience has shown that electrical contactors in a coupling plug or device of the form shown are most efficient when arranged to contact with each other in pairs near the forward face of the inserted coupling plates as illustrated in the present exem alification of the invention, but one of the difficulties in such form of connection heretofore has been the securement of the contactor portions in constant contact during the operation of the train and the jarring, jolting and twisting motions to which the couplers are subjected during such operation which has the tendency to separate some ofthe contactors, thus interfering with the proper operation of the circuits and the arcing which ,is detrimental to the contact members as well as other portions of the mechanism. In using the invention described, diiiiculty of maintaining constant electrical connection when desired is obviated. Another difficulty with electrical connectors of this class as heretofore constructed has been that the contacting portions on each of the couplers have been so arranged as to be energized or in circuit at the time the connection was broken by the separation of the cars and the coupling devices. This has resulted in arcing and consequent ultimate destruction of the parts, the elfect on the contactor members or switch members upon separation of cars and coupler heads being such that they become uneven and ultimately a portion of them fail to perform their proper function. This difficulty is overcome by my improved construction because the plunger-head carrying the male connecting members 47 is designed as described to be operated to break the circuit of all the connectors before the car is uncoupled and to cause the contacting members 53 to be separated from their cooperating contactors 011 the opposite car before the physical separation of the cars and their coupler heads. It is found that when the electric coupler devices are in contact upon the physical separation of two coupled cars that the contactors suffer deterioration from arcing, due to the time required to physically separate the cars, and if the cooperating contactors on two cars be connected when the head carrying the terminal plugs 47 is withdrawn injurious arcing may occur in the switches, but by the employment of my piston operated head 45 together with the elastic means for retracting the contactors 53, the rearward movement of head 45 quickly frees the pressure of plugs 47 from switch sockets 59 and relieving the spring pressure on plugs 53 permits springs 64 to retract the plugs 58 with a. quick snap and hence separate them on the cooperating cars with very little if any arcing, after which obviously the complete separation of plugs 47 and socket 59 will take place without any arcing.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings certain details are shown that are more or less obvious or en tirely unnecessary in carrying out the principles of the invention, such as the construction of the forward portions of the connector casing, which admits of the mounting of the alining plugs 80, which are secured in lugs 81 on each of the coupler-heads, so that when the electric couplers on two different cars come in contact these plugs 80 which extend forwardly of the contacting surface of the couplers will lie in diametrically opposite sides of the coupler. Each of the coupler heads on the side opposite these project-- ing pins 80 are provided with lugs 82 similar to the lugs 81, and are perforated and take the beveled or conical-shaped forward ex tremities of the alining plugs 80.

lVhile my improved electric coupling device is adapted for use primarily with an automatic alining form of mechanical ear coupler, it is found that since the electric couplers in practice must have some move ment relative to the mechanical couplers, additional alining means such as that just described for finally alining the electrical coupling devices is advantageous and even necessary.

I claim 1. The combination in an electric multiple connector, of a casing, a reciprocating plunger in said casing, an insulating member at the forward extremity of the casing, an electrical contactor moiably supported in said insulating member and adapted to be projected from the forward face thereof, an insulating member carried by the said reciprocating plunger, a terminal connector plug supported by the insulatingmember on the reciprocating plunger, and a cooperating connector n'iember connected to the contact-o1. and being provided with a socket member to form a switch connection with the said connector plug when. the plunger is operated to the forward end of the casing. 2. The combination in an electric mur tiple connector, of a casing, a reciprocating plunger in said casing, an insulating member at the forward extremity of the casing a plurality of electrical contactors movably supported in said insulating member and adapted to be projected from the forward face thereof, an insulating member carried by said reciprocating plunger, a plurality of terminal connector plugs supported by the insulating member on the reciprocating plunger, and cooperating connector members electrically connected with the said contactors and being provided with. socket members to form switch connections with the said connector plugs on the plunger when the plunger is operated to the forward end of the casing.

3. The combination in an electrical multiple connector of a casing, a reciprocating plunger in said casing, a plurality of elcctrical contactors movably supported and adapted to be projected from the forward face of the casing, a plurality of terminal connector plugs corresponding in number with the said contactors and being carried by the reciprocating plunger, and cooperating connector members in engagement with each of the contactors and being provided with socket members to form switch connec tions with the connector plugs when operated by the plunger.

4. The combination in an electrical mul tiple connector of a casing, a reciprocating plunger in said casing, a perforated insu lating member at the forward extremity of the casing, electrical contactors movably supported in said perforated insulating member and adapted to be projected from the forward face thereof, a perforated insulating member carried by said reciprocating plunger, a plurality of terminal connector plugs in the perforations of said insulating member corresponding in number to the number of said contactors, cooperating connector members in engagement with the said contactors and being adapted to form switch connections with the said termi* nal connector plugs on the plunger, and elastic means interposed between the said contactors and their supporting insulating member, and between the said contactors and the connector members.

5. The combination in an electric multiple connector, of a casing, a reciprocating pluniii said casing, an insulating member at the forward extremity of the casing and closing the entrance thereof, said insulating member being provided with a plurality of perforations, electrical contactors movably mounted in the perforations of said insulating member and adapted to be projected from the forward face thereof, elastic means adapted to normally hold said contactors in retracted position, connectors corresponding in number with and connecting with said contactors, and cooperating terminal plugs mounted on said plunger and carried thereby and adapted to be brought into conjunction with said connectors for operating said contactors against the resistance of their elastic retaining means.

6. The combination in an electric multiple connector of a casing, a reciprocating plunger in said casing, a perforated closure member for the forward extremity of said casing, electrical contactors in the perforations'of said closure member, terminal connector plugs carried by aid reciprocating plunger for cooperating with said electrical cont-actors whereby the circuit leading from each of the said terminal plugs to the contactors may be simultaneously opened or closed, and an electrical contactor mounted in a perforation in the closure member of the casing and normally projecting from the forward face thereof, a terminal plug on the said reciprocating plunger for cooperating with the last said contactor, and means for maintaining constant movable electric connection between said terminal plug and said contactor.

7. The combination in an electric multiple connector, of a casing, a reciprocating plunger in said casing, an insulating member at the forward extremity of the casing, an electrical contactor movably supported in said insulating member and adapted to be projected from the forward face thereof, an insulating member carried by said reciprocating plunger, a terminal connector plug supported by the insulator of the reciprocating plunger and a cooperating connector member connected to the contactor and having a socket to form a switch connection with said connector plug when the plunger is operated tothe forward end of the casing whereby an electrical connection between the terminal connector plug and the contactor may be made or broken at ill by the movement of the plunger.

8. The combination in an electrical multiple connector, of a casing, a reciprocating plunger in said casing, an insulating member in the casing, a plurality of electrical contactors morably supported by said insulating member and adapted to be projected from the forward face thereof, a plurality of cooperating connector members secured to the contactors, an insulating member carried. by said reciprocating plunger, a plurality of tern'iinal plugs of a given length supported by said insulating member being adapted to form make-and-break switch conn ctions with said connector plugs when the plunger is lGClPl'OCZttGd, and other of the tnminal connector plugs n the plunger being of greater length than the firstmentioned plugs and being adapted to form constant electrical connections between their corresponding=connector members and the contactors when the plunger is reciproca'ted.

9. In an electrical multiple connector, a casing, a perforated closure for the casing, an electrical contactor movably supported in a perforation of the said closure member, with its forward portion normally pro jecting from the face of the closure memer, elastic means for holding the said contactor in normally retracted position, a connector member operatirely connected with the contactcr, elastic means interposed between the connector member and the contactor, a movable circuit connector plug adapted to be moved into and out of engagement with said connector member whereby electrical connection between the said plug and the contactor may be secured and whereby forcible engagement of the said connector plug with the connector member will project the contactor from the forward face of the closure member of. the casing against the action of its elastic retaining means.

10. The combination in an electric circuit connector, of a casing, an electrical contactor morably supported in the casing, elastic means for holding the said contactor in normally withdrawn position, a movable connector plug in circuit, and means whereby the movement of the said connector plug may form an electrical connection between the said plug and the contactor and at the same time project the contactor from the forw ,rd face of the casin 11. An electric multiple connector comprising a plurality of electrical switch connections consisting of movable terminal plugs, movable contactors, connector members in engagement with said contactors, each or": said connector members being provided with sockets for the engagement of the terminal plugs, elastic means for insuring contact between the engaging terminal plugs and the connector member sockets, and elastic means l? r normally holding said contactor members in withdrawn position whereby when the multiple connector is brought into engagement with the cooperating multiple connector the electrical connection between the terminal connector plugs and the connector members may be made he- :tore the contactors on the two multiple connectors are brought into engagement and whereby the contactors may be separated on the two connectors )IlOl to the disengagement of the terminal conncctouplugs and their respective sockets, thus rcventing arcing between said plugs and connector meu'iber sockets.

12. in an electric multiple connector, the combination of a fixed insulating plate and a movable insulating plate, the said fixed insulating plate being provided with a plurality of perforations, each having contactors adapted to be projected iron the for ward face of the insulating plate, electric circuit terminals supported in the said movable insulating plate, and two-part switch connections one part of which is carried by the said movable insulating plate and the other part of which is connected with said contactors in the fixed insulating plate whereby the engagement of the switch connection on the movable plate with the cooperating connections on the fixed plate will first form electric circuit connections between the circuit terminals and the contactor plugs, and whereby the further movement of the movable insulating plate toward the fixed plate will result in projecting the said contactors from the forward face of the fixed insulating plate.

13. In an electric multiple connector, the combination 01" a fixed insulating plate and a movable insulating plate, the said fixed insulating plate being provided with a plurality of perforations, each having contac tors adapted to be projected from the forward face of the insulating plate, elastic means for holding the said contactors in normally retracted position in relation to the fixed insulating plate, electric circuit terminals supported in the said movable 'insulating plate, and two-part switch connections one part of which is carried by the said movable insulating plate and the other part of which is connected with said contactors in the fixed insulating plate whereby the engagement of the switch connections of the movable plate with the cooperating connections on the fixed plate will first form electric circuit connections between the circuit terminals and the contactor plugs, and the further movement of the movable insulating plate toward the fixed plate will result in projecting the said contactors from the forward face oi the fixed insulating plate against the action or said elastic retracting means whereby electrical connections between the said contactors and the terminal connector plugs will be formed prior to the projection of the contactors to engage similar contactors on a like multiple connector and whereby upon the uncoupling of the connector from a companion connector the said elastic means will act upon the initial retractile movement of the movable insulating plate to separate the contactors prior to the breaking of the switch connections, thus preventing arcing in the switch connections.

is. An electrical multiple connector comprising insulating means, elastic contac'tor means movably supported by said insulating means and adapted to be held normally in retracted position, a movable plunger, a two-part switch connection, one part of said switch connection being carried by said movable plunger, and the other part of said switch connection being in constant engagement with said contactor means, and elastic means between the last-mentioned part of the switch connection and said contactor means.

15. In an electric multiple connector, a casing, a fixed insulating member secured in the forward end of the casing, a movable insulating member in the casing, electrical contactors projectii from the forward face of the fixed insulating member, elastic means for holding said contactors in normally withdrawn position, and two-part switch connections, one part of which is mounted on the movable insulating incu'iber and the other part 01 which is movably mounted in the fixed insulating plate and in engagement with each of the said contactor plugs whereby circuit connections leading to the contactor plugs may be made by the switch connections prior to the engagement of the contactors on coupled cars and whereby the initial retractile movement of the movable insulating member will permit the relatively quick withdrawal of the project contactors prior to the disengagement oi": the switch connections.

16. In an electric connector, a casing, a supporting member secured in the casing, a contactor carried by the supporting memher, a two-part switch connection within the casing, one part of which is constantly in circuit and movable to engage and disengage the other part, which latter part is movable in relation to the supporting member and has a loose or sliding engagement with the contactor, and elastic means interposed between the last said part of the switch connection and the contactor.

17 In an electric connector, a casing, a supporting member secured in the casing, a contactor carried by the supporting member, elastic means interposed between the contactor and the supporting member tending normally to withdraw the contactor, a two part switch connection within the casing, one part of which is constantly in circuit and movable to engage and disengage the other part, which latter part is movable in relation to the supporting member and has a loose or sliding engagement with the contactor, and elastic means interposed between the last said part of the switch connection and the contactor.

18. In an electric connector, a casing, a supporting insulating member in the casing being provided with an aperture, a contactor within the aperture, a connector member within the aperture and having a loose connection with the contactor, elastic means interposed between the contactor and the connector member, a movable plug adapted to cooperate with the connector member, and elastic means on the connector member for insuring an electric contact with the movable plug.

19. In an electric connector, a casing, an insulating supporting member secured in the casing and being provided with a plurality of apertures, contactors within the apertures of said supporting member and being adapted to be projected normally from the forward face thereof, connector members secured to a portion of said contactors and being provided with one of two-part switch connections, a movable plunger provided with a plurality of contact plugs of a common and relatively short length and being adapted to form the other part of the twopart switch connections of which the connector members form a part, contactor members in the other of the apertures in the said supporting insulating member and projecting normally from the forward face thereof, a socket member being connected by a coiled spring with the last said contactors, and plugs of a greater length than the first said plugs secured to the plunger and adapted to cooperate with the socket members on the last said contactors whereby the last said contactors will be in constant circuit with said elongated plugs.

20. In an electric connector, a casing, an insulating supporting member secured in the casing and being provided with a plurality of apertures, contactors within the apertures of said supporting member and being adapted to be projected normally from the forward face thereof, connector members secured to a portion of said contaetors and being provided with one of two-part switch connections, a movable plunger provided with a plurality of contact plugs of a common and relatively short length and being adapted to form the other part of the twopart switch connections of which the connector members form a part, contactor members in the other of the apertures in the said supporting insulating member and projecting normally from the forward face thereof, a socket member being connected by a coiled spring with the last said contactors, and a coiled spring surrounding the last said elongated plugs and being adapted to engage their cooperating socket members which are elastically connected with their corresponding contactors.

21. In an electric connector, a casing, an insulating supporting member secured therein, said supporting member being provided with an elongated aperture, and a contactor secured in said aperture comprising a cylindrical member having an enlarged head on the exterior of the supporting memher, a collar spaced on the cylindrical portion of the contactor remote from the head portion, and a shank of reduced diameter extending beyond the collar for sliding engagement with the connector member.

22. An electric connector device comprising an insulating member with an aperture therein, a contactor being provided with a head extending on the outside of the insulating member, a collar on the contactor, a coiled spring inserted between the collar and the cooperating wall of the insulated member, a member provided with a switch socket slidably connected to the contactor, and elastic means interposed between the last said member and the collar on the contactor.

23. An electric connector device comprising an insulating member provided with an aperture, the forward extremity of which has a reduced diameter, a contactor member being provlded with a shank and a head on the forward extremity thereof of larger diameter than the forward reduced diameter of the aperture so that the head of the contactor may have a seat thereon, a collar on the shank of the contactor, a coiled spring inserted between said collar and the wall around the contracted portion of the aperture of the insulating member, a slidable member being provided with a socket for sliding engagement with the shank of the contactor, means for securing the last said member to the shank of the contactor, and a coiled spring interposed between a portion of the sliding socket member and the collar on the contactor.

24. In an electric multiple connector, the combination with a casing, of a plunger mounted to reciprocate therein, and comprising an insulating plate carrying a plurality of electrical contacts,-the said plunger comprising a spider having branches extending In testimony whereof I have signed my to a peripheral portion thereof, means for name to this specification, in the presence of 10 securing the insulating plate to the periphtwo subscribing Witnesses, on this 22 day of eral portion of the spider, terminals for elec- January A. D. 1914.

5 tric circuit connections supported by said CHARLES H. TOMLINSON.

plate, and a band of insulating material an Witnesses: ranged peripherally around the said electric JOHN L. YOUNG,

- connections on the spider. W. C. STARKEY.

Copies 01' this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, I). G." 

